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20 ways to make simple New Year's resolutions

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance

The New Year is upon us, and I am thrilled.  We now have an opportunity to look back on 2009 with loving kindness, decide what we'd like to change and what goals we'd like to set, and move forward into a New Year!

At the same time, I recognize that the statistics for people actually reaching their New Year's goals aren't very encouraging.  Research shows that more than half of those who set goals fall off the resolution bandwagon by mid-February. What's up with that? Why do we abandon our goals? It's because we take on too much, and we make it all so complicated!  We are overwhelmed and under-motivated.

I invite you to join with me as we ring in the New Year with simplicity and in good humor! Deep breaths everyone. I've got a feeling that this year is your year to live a life you love!

Here are 20 simple yet effective ways you can succeed.

 

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PICWrite your goals down

Statistics show that 75% of what we write down happens. Putting your goals on paper both alerts your brain that you are "open for business," as well as sending a strong and positive message to the universe, declaring that you are, indeed, "in the game!"

Exercise your want muscle

Your goal should be something that you really want to change or achieve or desire, something that holds deep meaning for you. It's not about what society or your family wants for you. Deep meaning manifests strong motivation!

 

 

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picTAKE A LEAP OF FAITH

Jump right into change. Now is as good a time as any to start working toward a more satisfying future. If not now, when?

Create a Plan

In order for you to manifest your goals, you need to create a series of clear and simple steps that you can put into action.

 

 

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Be specific 

Don't write or say, "I'm going to lose weight. Do write and say, "I am going to permanently remove 10 pounds."

Set your mind

 It starts and ends in the mind. If you resolve to walk every day, don't let the rain dissolve your resolve! There are always the stairwells at work or at home! And there's even rain gear!

 

 

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picVISUALIZE 

When you visualize, your brain "practices" your action. See yourself eating less, exercising more, succeeding, smiling, being in a happy relationship, making money, singing, dancing, etc! Woo Hoo!!

Less is MORE

The more things you try to change in a short period of time, the less likely you are to change anything over the long term. Pace yourself. Don't try and change 50 things at once

 

 

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Find a Resolution Buddy 

And share your goals with them. You are now accountable to someone other than yourself, and you will also feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment from helping your friend reach her goals!

Set a Timetable 

 The difference between a goal and a dream is a deadline! It can make all the difference. Specifically, when were you going to reach your goal? And how are you going to do that?

 

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Create a Vision Board 

Find inspiring quotes, motivating pictures, or anything that reminds you of your goal and collage these bits n' pieces together on paper and place it where you can see it!

Take a risk

Resolutions are not just about 'fixing' something or getting something; they are about stretching a bit outside of your comfort zone. Go for it!

 

 

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Remind yourself of your Goals Daily

Write your goals on Post-It notes and place them on your fridge or bathroom mirror, or write your goals in your date book, or on your calendar. You don't want them to fall off your to-do list, do you?

Accentuate the Positive

Looking at the bright side of things will definitely generate more energy and enthusiasm that will help you to go after your dreams.

 

 

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Celebrate Failure 

If at first you don't succeed, try again! Reassess the situation, tweak it, learn from it and celebrate your moving forward.

Start a Journal  

Record your successes and your failures. Your thoughts and a-ha! moments. And give yourself a gold star, while you're at it.

 

 

 

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Steer clear of Negativity

Just as you will find people who will support you, you will also come across those who are negative and are likely to stop you from moving forward. Smile and walk away.

Be Patient

People want immediate results, but change takes time. Remember that it's the journey that's important.

 

 

 

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Remember YOU matter 

Carve out time to give yourself the love and attention you need, and be sure to compliment yourself daily. Fully acknowledge all that you've accomplished and how special you are!

Fake it til you make it

Think and act like the person you want to be. Before you know it, you'll be there!

Posted by

Sharon Lee

Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

Sharon,

What a wonderfully positive post with fantastic photos!  I laughed at the sticky-note girl. That is me!! LOL!!

Jan 03, 2010 02:39 PM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Sharon - Thanks for the list.  I am not a good resolution keeper, but I can set goals and achieve them.  I will refer often to your list as I am printing it now :-)  Great job on this post!

Jan 03, 2010 02:41 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Hi Sonja-Glad you liked it and I have stickies too. Happy New Year. <SMILE>

Hi Mary-You are most welcome. I am glad you liked it well enough to print it out. Thank you. Have a great week my friend. <SMILE>

Jan 03, 2010 02:48 PM
Toula Rosebrock
Diane Turton, Realtors, Forked River, NJ - Lacey Township, NJ
Broker/Sales Associate, Realtor, Lacey Township,

ToulaRosebrock,com

Hi Sharon:

All sensible suggestions.

Writing down the goals and being reminded of them everyday is essential.

Have a wonderful New Year!

Jan 03, 2010 03:02 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

WOW Sharon, This is awesome and deserves to be featured.  I am flagging it right now. Totally wonderful ! I will pay special attention to being more patient. It used to be such a strength of mine but as I get older, I notice that I become less so. That is one of my goals so thanks for reminding me of the importance of it here in that post. Well Done!!!!!

Jan 03, 2010 03:16 PM
Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

Sharon,  Great post.  Well written and great photos.  I am also going to flag it for a feature.

Jan 03, 2010 03:18 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Sharon- I love "fake it till you make it".  I wore a "business is great" pin for the past two years. And last year I made and kept just one resolution.  And I wrote it on a note and put in on my bathroom mirror to remind me each morning.  I took it down yesterday.  I think it's clicked. 

Jan 03, 2010 03:38 PM
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

These are fabulous Sharon - and a great note to end my night on - and begin my year on!  thank you!

Jan 03, 2010 05:11 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Sharon, I LOVE your list!   I always visualize, try new things, I have my vision board and I just started a journal again!  I'm doing pretty well, with this list I'll do even better :)  Thank you!

Jan 03, 2010 08:30 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Sharon:  These are great suggestions.  I wish I could bring a friend by and let her soak them in.  She is constantly preparing to prepare, then stops, and prepares some more.  Her business has stalled out and she can't see her own lack of motivation to do ANYTHING is why.  

Jan 04, 2010 01:16 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Hi Sharon!  Great easy to follow steps above...I am sure you will reach all of your goals and be successful in 2010.  !SMILE

Jan 04, 2010 01:40 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Hi Toula-I couldn't agree more. All the best to you in 2010. <SMILE>

Thank YOU William I always love when you stop by because you make me feel very special and I appreciate that. I understand about the patience thing as you get older. I have less for certain things. Have a great week my friend. <SMILE> P.S. Thank you for flagging it for a feature. Very nice of YOU. <WARM SMILE>

Thank YOU Gary-Very much appreciated. Best to you in 2010. <SMILE>

Hi Tammy-That does work for sure. I am proud of you for doing that. <SMILE>

Hi Liz-Thank you so much for the compliment and YOU are welcome. <SMILE>

Hi Carole-I am glad you like it.  Visualization is a powerful thing. I someone knew that is something you would use as well as writing in a journal. You are most welcome my friend. <SMILE>

Hi Chris Ann-With people like that you can only do just so much. They have to want something bad enough. Have a great week. <SMILE>

Hi Kristin-It won't be for lack of trying that is for sure. I have no doubt you will accomplish yours as well. <SMILE>

 

 

 

Jan 04, 2010 11:20 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth
I have always been good at the fake it part Sharon until I figure it out.
Jan 05, 2010 02:17 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Gary W-Somehow I knew that. <SMILE>

Jan 05, 2010 02:29 AM
Sheldon Neal
Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited - Maywood, NJ
That British Agent Bergen County NJ

Hi Sis ! I love the idea of a Resolution Buddy ! ....accountability is a HUGE motivator ! Good Stuff Sharon !!

Jan 05, 2010 03:01 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Hi LIL BRO-I love a resolution buddy too. I actually have the lady as I work for as my buddy on a mutual endeavor. You are right accountability is a HUGE motivator. Thank you my friend. Have a great night. <SMILE>

Jan 05, 2010 12:36 PM
c m
Colorado Springs, CO

Well done, Sharon!  Nicely laid out, great illustrations and wonderful content! Now...putting it into practice...starts with a bookmark!

Jan 09, 2010 05:05 PM